Bowlers of the Week: Art & Sylma LeBlanc

CLIFTON PARK >> Bowlers enjoy Sylma LeBlanc’s trifles just as much as her triples, maybe even more.

“She makes an excellent trifle,” said her husband Art, discussing the Scottish dessert made from thick custard, fruit, sponge cake, jelly and whipped cream. “We get any compliments on her trifle.”

Sylma LeBlanc, who grew up in Mechanicville, makes a sweet dessert, and gets some sweet strikes during the season for the “Superstars Mixed” league on Thursdays at Spare Time Clifton Park.

“We have an unusual custom in that we bring food on the holidays,” said Art. And during bowling season there are half a dozen or so holidays. “Each team signs up to bring in at least one item, so we share. And Thanksgiving, we do strictly pies.”

The “Superstars” began from employees of an old grocery store called “Star Super.” It was in a strip mall across from the bowling center. Art is the “Superstars” Secretary/Treasurer. Both also roll in the “Tuesday Seniors” league.

“One of the guys who (founded) the league, an elderly gentleman, held on as the league went on,” said Art. “Every week, one team would take turns paying for his bowling. He never had a whole lot to play with. He never knew it and we took care of it.”

Sylma bowled her senior year at Mechanicville but says she was “not as good as I am now,” due to more practice. She carries a 158 average and has a high game of 235-592 triple this year, which she called “wonderful.”

Art, who is normally up around 178, has struggled this year and is hovering around 160. He recalls one night several years ago when he felt he couldn’t miss. It was a tough night because they were changing lanes every game.

“You’ve got to get locked in on three pairs and out of the woods came a 236-269-252=757,” he said. “I haven’t come within a mile and a half of that any other time.”

Art, who is from Boston, had a buddy at Boston University who turned out to be Sylma’s next door neighbor. That’s how they met.

“It was a blind date,” she admitted. Bowling came later.

So it goes for Art and Sylma, who are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year.